Reflections Bed & Breakfast in Port Orchard features Colonial-style ambiance with with some furnishings dating back to the 1840’s

“I think the public is getting to know more about what a B&B is,” says Kathy Hall, who owns Reflections Bed & Breakfast in Port Orchard. Hall has operated her inn for 17 years, and is currently an area representative for the Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild. “(The industry) has grown tremendously in these 17 years,” she says.

What makes the B&Bs attractive to many visitors is their home ambiance, and the sense of community. “I think folks who want to do a B&B like the ‘home away from home’ atmosphere,” says Jen Santori, who with husband Giulio owns Bear’s Lair Bed & Breakfast near Gig Harbor.

Santori finds that most of her guests are outgoing, and usually want to know the innkeepers as well as other guests. “Folks don’t just want to check in and check out, they like to have some communication,” she says.

Some people, however, are more reclusive. She lets the guests set their preferences — if they don’t want to socialize, she lets them have their space. “Ninety percent do want to get to know you,” she says, adding that some long-term stays end up in good friendships.

“B&B people are usually ‘people’ people,” she says. “They usually like to meet other people. Meeting other guests is part of the experience.”

Hall finds that women often feel more safe in a bed and breakfast as well as more comfortable (men may feel like they are invading someone’s space).

The personality of the innkeeper, the theme of the inn, and the food are often the main attractions, helping guests decide which one to choose. The innkeeper should feel very welcoming, and be interested in listening to people’s stories, Hall says. The innkeepers also must feel comfortable sharing their own — if their guests choose to hear them.

Each owner operates the B&B in a different style. Santori, for example, gets up very early to cook gourmet breakfast. The four-course menu includes choices such as pesto eggs and homemade muffins. Hall offers an actual menu, but all the guests must agree the night before what menu entree they would like the next morning, as well as what time breakfast should be served.

The guests’ B&B of choice is often based on the ambiance. The Santoris’ home has a story to tell about the way it was built by the couple, from the ground up; much of it is Giulio’s custom woodworking craftsmanship. Jen’s beautiful garden, as well as the quaint grounds that include a pond with a gazebo, and the overall Northwest feel appeal to many guests. Some come just to meet Buddy, their super-friendly dog who is featured on the Web site dressed in a tuxedo.

Hall, on the other hand, features a Colonial style, with many furnishings dating to the 1840s, both originals and replicas. She even has a 1796 cradle.

“A lot of New Englanders feel right at home here,” says Hall, who lived for 19 years in Massachusetts and says she brought a piece of the place with her.

“If they come and it doesn’t suit their personality, they’ll go someplace else (next time),” she says. On the other hand, those who love it come back time and again, and often send back presents after returning home. Both Hall and Santori say they frequently receive mailed presents from guests, who see something they think suits the inn’s theme or find an item that triggers nice memories. The two are thrilled to get such “feedback.” It not only takes “people” people to visit a Bed and Breakfast and appreciate what is can offer — it takes “people” people to be able to offer the hospitality that makes for a memorable stay.